The Sahel Drought of the 1980's

Sahel means 'edge' or 'shore' of the desert. The Sahel region of Africa borders the Sahara Desert. It is an area of low rainfall, frequent drought, and few natural resources. Click on the map below to see the countries in the Sahel region. They are the coloured ones.

Map of the Sahel region of Africa

The drought of the 1980's and early 1990's was a very long and hard one as it led to a famine that affected many countries and people in Africa. Here are some facts:

• Affected 20 countries, 150 million people

• 30 million were in urgent need of food aid
• 10 million refugees seeking food and water
• 100,000 to 250,00 deaths

 

People of the Sahel region are traveling long distances in search of food and water.

 

Back to Main Drought Page

Sources:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/africa/explore/sahel/sahel_eco_lo.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2440793.stm
http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/world/A0842964.html